Lifestyle

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 18, 2026

Meet The ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition Helicopter

While some might question the overlap between off-road luxury and private air travel, Mercedes-Benz and Airbus Corporate Helicopters clarify it into a single idea: exploration. Behind its newest project, inspired by the beloved G-Class, the all-new ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition represents a fusion between off-road expertise and aerial freedom, conquering both the land and the sky. The G-Class has long set the benchmark for off-road luxury. Its purpose-built chassis and performance-focused engineering have cemented it as a timeless icon while inspiring a generation of adventurers. The ACH145 uses the same DNA in the sky, offering pilots and passengers the same sense of confidence and control. With a compact construction and maximum flight time of four hours, it’s built to go anywhere and everywhere on the fly. Whether it's navigating urban rooftops or secluded mountain peaks, the ACH145 delivers the kind of precision only Mercedes-Benz and Airbus can.Every curve, surface, and detail reflects Mercedes’ Sensual Purity design philosophy, creating a cabin that’s equally functional as it is luxurious. Genuine wood flooring meets cool metallic accents, while the highest-quality leathers and specifically designed seats offer the comfort of a G-Class. Space has been thoughtfully allotted to maximize passenger volume and cargo capacity, accommodating up to eight passengers. Integrated storage, armrests, and cup holders keep essentials close at hand, while a visual reduction of controls maintains a modern, minimal environment. All Mercedes-Benz Inventory Performance is just as important as the design itself. With a cruise speed of 137 knots and the advanced Helionix® avionics suite, the ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition sets the new standard for aerial exploration. For those who’ve long admired the G-Class on land, this helicopter is the ultimate evolution, bringing off-road reliability to the skies. Add in an extensive configuration program, with almost limitless options to personalize your helicopter, and the Airbus Corporate Helicopter’s ACH145 Mercedes-Benz Edition is perfect for those who have no limits for adventure.

By Khris Bharath – May 10, 2025

No Wings No Rotors: So How Does The Volonaut Airbike Fly?

This is the Volonaut Airbike, and it is set to rewrite the rules of personal flight. Built by Polish inventor Tomasz Patan, who was also behind the Jetson ONE eVTOL (Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft), the Airbike is unlike anything you’ve probably seen in the sky before. No, this isn’t Vaporware or a concept, and this flying hoverbike breaks every rule of personal aerial vehicle design. No propellers, no cockpit, just an ultra-lightweight frame, jet thrust, and the rider. You simply grip the handlebars like a motorcycle, lean forward, and launch into the air, with the controls being managed through a telemetry-equipped helmet. A proprietary flight computer translates your body movements into adjustments in real-time flight. More specific details about the exact method of propulsion are awaited, as Patan wants to retain some secrecy for now. With its minimalist design and the use of 3D-printed components and carbon fiber in its construction, the single-seat Airbike is seven times lighter than a road-going superbike, typically weighing anywhere between 300 and 500 pounds. Volonaut claims a top speed of 124 mph. The absence of any rotors gives you unobstructed 360-degree views along with the agility to fly much closer to trees and maneuver in tighter spaces, which is something that more conventional flying craft would find challenging. Since the Airbike’s recent debut, it has triggered a wave of comparisons on the web with speeder bikes from Return of the Jedi. Design details like the red light strips at the rear certainly lend it something that’s straight out of Star Wars. So, how much could the Airbike cost? Volonaut hasn’t revealed any pricing or a launch date yet. But for some context, Patan’s earlier creation, the Jetson ONE eVTOL, which offers 20 minutes of flight on electric power and a top speed of 63 mph, sells for $128,000. The Speeder by JetPack Aviation: a turbine-powered flying motorcycle targeted at military and rescue ops, costs $380,000. Others like the Ryse Recon and Skyblazer hover in the $150k-$250k range. " width="680"> Source: Volonaut

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 01, 2024

Flexjet Set To Display The Sikorsky S-76 Helicopter At Ne...

Flexjet will showcase its Sikorsky S-76 helicopter at two major boat shows this fall, offering attendees a closer look at luxury air travel. This fall, Flexjet will be featuring its Sikorsky S-76 helicopter at both the Newport International Boat Show and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, giving all in attendance a chance to explore its luxury features. In Newport, the helicopter will be on display in the heart of the show, while in Fort Lauderdale, it will be showcased on a golf course green in collaboration with Worth Avenue Yachts. Flexjet will also offer exclusive experiences, including tender boat rides to the show’s Riva showroom for VIP guests. Known for its comfort and spacious interiors, the Sikorsky S-76 is a popular choice among luxury travelers. The helicopter’s 300-nautical-mile range makes it ideal for first and last-mile transportation, such as a quick trip from Miami to the Bahamas. Flexjet will offer a lottery at the Fort Lauderdale show, where one winner will receive a roundtrip helicopter transfer from Miami to Rockwell Island in the Bahamas. Flexjet’s helicopter services are available through private charter, card, and lease options, providing tailored access to rotary travel. By participating in some of the world's most prestigious boat shows, Flexjet aims to showcase how luxury helicopter travel complements the yachting lifestyle, delivering a seamless transition between air and sea. Discover all of the luxury travel opportunities that Flexxjet has to offer by clicking the link below. Discover Flexjet Source: Flexjet

Gulfstream marks 100th delivery of the G500 and G600..20210325

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2021

Gulfstream Delivers 100th G500

Private Aviation is reaching new heights In just two decades the notion of flying commercial has gone from nostalgic to traumatic. Seeing unprecedented demand for their Symmetry Flight Deck and the comfortable cabins, Gulfstream has delivered the 100th example of the G500 & G600 class. The G500 was unveiled in 2018 with its big brother G600 following the next year. Their rigorous flight-test schedule went beyond what the industry was expecting, and far beyond what the FAA needed to give it a perfect rating. They embarked on a world tour of 22 cities that spanned over 130,000 nautical miles. More than 60-speed records are held between the two models, which have amassed more than 25,000 hours and 13,000 landings. The cabin is unlike anything you have experienced before. Touchscreens are within reach of every seat, as the world passes under 14 panoramic windows. Because the air is never recirculated, you will breathe easy because it is pressurized to a lower altitude than competitors and much lower than commercial aircraft. We have several great options for private aviation, so tell us your best Gulfstream experience in the comments below. Learn More Image (C) Gulfstream Aerospace

By Edward Jones – February 02, 2021

NICHOLAS AIR: Two Decades of Providing the Best Private A...

Presented by NICHOLAS AIR - There’s a level of authenticity here at NICHOLAS AIR— we know who we are, and we’ve been committed to our Members’ missions since day one and complete those missions with aircraft that are Owned and Operated by NICHOLAS AIR. No identity crisis, no changing business plans every six months, no relying on another’s brand to help build ours. We’ve kept private travel simple— skipping the 30-page contracts and spending more time doing what you wanted- enjoying the best of private aviation experiences. After 23 years, our mission is still the same: provide the world’s most refined set of private flyers with the best aircraft the industry has to offer. Since the beginning, our Members come to us because they want a company that is committed to safety, to cleanliness, and to creating the most comfortable onboard experience possible. That commitment matters even more today, where our pilots and crews clean and detail each airplane prior to every mission, and as a company, we have reassured our passengers that no stone was left unturned to provide them with a clean, meticulously detailed aircraft with each trip. Our Members come to us because they want authenticity and reliability, and for over two decades, they’ve found it right here, at NICHOLAS AIR. Visit NICHOLASAIR.com

Gulfstream Delivers First EASA Certified G600.20201216

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2020

Gulfstream Delivers First European G600

One lucky customer is now cruising above everyone else. After a rigorous certification process by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, Gulfstream has delivered the first European G600. Real-world testing by the manufacturer and EASA has yielded an impressive bump to the rated cruising range. Your G600 can fly 6,600 nautical miles at Mach 0.85, or 5,600nm with the throttle wide open. Fifth Gulfstream G700 Test Aircraft Takes To the Skies Pilots will enjoy more touch-screens than any other business jet, and the cabin has won awards for interior design. Choose from four living areas and enjoy the 14 panoramic windows. Breathe easy thanks to fresh air that is never recycled. Pressurized to a lower altitude than any competitor or commercial jet, your ears and taste buds will thank you. In addition to the European certification, the G600 series is also endorsed by Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, San Marino, and Mexico. Gulfstream is our choice for private travel, so stay with us for more updates. " width="680"> Image and film (C) General Dynamics

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2020

2021 Beechcraft King Air 260 Is Everything You Need

Kansas is known for rapidly changing weather. When cold Canadian fronts meet humidity from the Gulf, the 2021 Beechcraft King Air 260 is everything you need. Not long ago, our friends at Textron Aviation unveiled the King Air 360. As the flagship of the Beechcraft lineup, it debuted with the latest in cabin pressurization, electronics, and luxury amenities. But for those of us who don't need to transport an entire boardroom, the new 260 easily handles 9 passengers. " width="680"> Starting with comfort, the Collins Multi-Scan RTA-4112 weather radar can spot potentially dangerous storm conditions over the horizon. As this allows the pilot to anticipate changes in altitude, the digitized pressurization system works in the background to offer an atmosphere lower than any commercial flight. Configured for IS&S ThrustSense® Autothrottle, every event from takeoff to landing is optimized for fuel economy, noise abatement, and a smooth ride. No details were overlooked, as every seat was mapped to reduce pressure points over a journey of 1,720 nautical miles. We are on the verge of a renaissance in private aviation, and Beechcraft is leading the way. Stay with us for all your Textron Aviation updates. Learn More

Gulfstream_G650ER_Aerial_1_93716b19-b4f8-4c0f-a821-84f37184f9f2-prv

By Andrew Nabors – August 18, 2020

Gulfstream Unveils High-Speed Internet for G650 Series

Once you travel in a Gulfstream, any other aircraft will be inferior. I didn't believe this until Mr. duPont chartered a flight to the Boca Raton Concours a few years back. While it didn't have internet, that option would have allowed us to keep this blog running from 40,000 feet. Now our needs have been met, as Gulfstream has unveiled high-speed internet for the G650, G550, and GV series. Gulfstream G700 Flight Test Yields Amazing Performance & Fuel Range In collaboration with Viasat, passengers and crew will have broadband speed for streaming movies or video conferences. Derek Zimmerman is the President of Customer Support, and he says: We are pleased to offer this as a retrofit to our current G650 and G650ER customers. With the use of Viasat’s Ku/Ka dual-band terminal that seamlessly switches between satellites, we can provide customers with fast and consistent coverage across the world.” Your jet can be upgraded at any company-owned service center, so click the button below to learn more and stay with us for the latest in luxury aviation. Learn More

Gulfstream Advances G700 Flight-Test Program

By Andrew Nabors – July 30, 2020

Gulfstream G700 Flight Test Yields Amazing Performance & ...

Are you ready for the fastest ride of your life? We love writing about the world's fastest cars, but luxury jets are just as fun. Back in May I was shocked to read Gulfstream's predictions. They mentioned the upcoming G700 might be capable of cruising at Mach 0.85, or 85 % of the sound barrier. In their latest press release, we are again taken aback. It has been over 100 flights since then, and the Rolls-Royce Pearl 700s have delivered more power than anyone anticipated. Gulfstream G700 Development Is Approaching The Sound Barrier Pushing the throttles to full power, the test equipment used to certify the plane measured Mach 0.99 at 54,000 feet. The only other jet that could do this was the Concorde, on its way to Mach 2. Not only is it fast, but it can also cruise at Mach 0.85 for 8,630 miles. The climate control does not recirculate stale air, it pressurizes fresh air to Sea Level to keep your ears and tastebuds happy. The fact that it is so stable at the sound barrier means it could probably go faster, but the FAA has some ancient and ignorant laws about supersonic flight. The only other aircraft that can do this without afterburners is the F-22 Raptor, and it would offer incredible fuel savings for wealthy travelers. Click the button below to get on the waiting list, and stay with us for all your Gulfstream news. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2020

Bombardier Introduces Global G5500 With Incredible Range

Fighter Aces near the end of WWII were flirting with disaster. Going into a dive put them close to the speed of sound, and the controls would become useless. Seven decades later, private aviation is poised to exploit the efficiency of cruising near Mach1. Bombardier started with a clean sheet for the Global G5500. With a goal to beat their competitors in every aspect, it can cruise from L.A. to Moscow at Mach 0.9. With a maximum capacity of 16, the range is 6,790 statute miles, far enough to cover Sao Paulo to Paris with fuel to spare. Rejecting the notion of using parts off-the-shelf, Rolls-Royce was comissioned to build a pair or revolutionary turbofans rated at 15,125 lbs of thrust each. The compact core runs hotter than most to make better use of fuel, and three low-pressure turbines help quiet the exhaust. Here is a look at the spacious floorplan: A landing distance of 2,207 feet will allow you to reach the world's toughest fields, and you will be airborne again in only 5,490'. All the latest avionics are combined with infrared and synthetic aperture radar to produce a brilliant HUD in all weather situations. Highs-speed SATCOM, Controller Pilot Data Link, and four large 4K monitors keep all data in your line of sight. The tallest and widest airframe in its class offers comfort and much more sound insulation thanks to the larger cross-section. Click the link below for all the details and stay with us for all your aviation updates. Learn More

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